Publication-JAES

Following the tradition of the IGCPs, we are planning to publish an edited volume focused on "Geodynamics and Mineralizations" within the West African Craton.

Proposed title of the special issue: "Precambrian Geology of West African Cratonfor Sustainable Development" to be published in J. Afr. Earth Sci. (Elsevier).

We look forward to receiving the submissions and engaging the international geologic community in this project. We are glad to respond any further questions you might have and thank you in advance for your participation.

TOPICS

The characterization of ore deposits is specific to geological conditions (P, T, t) depending on the rheology of rocks, their emplacement mode and of their tectonic and metamorphic evolution. The West African Craton (WAC) and its surrounding areas are the best candidates to focus on such ore deposits, especially in the vicinity of shear zones, boundaries of terranes…

The WAC recorded several tectonic, magmatic and metamorphic events through its Precambrian evolution. Different tools may be used to investigate the periods and areas of production of ore deposits and their relationships with these events. Precambrian geodynamic evolution of the WAC is still debated in several of its remote regions, composed of terranes and large shear zones. What kind of geodynamic model is appropriate: subduction, sagduction ("pop-down"), or other tectonic models? Can we clearly distinguish between deformation styles in old orogenic belts? Do fluids circulations and their rock interaction conditions play a major role in these belts for ore concentrations? Even though some significant attempts were addressed, factors controlling the emplacement mechanisms of mineralizations as well as the associated tectono-metamorphic constraints still remain unpredictible. Several tectonic styles and ages related to Eburnean deformation phases within the WAC for instance were recorded, yet the emplacement mechanisms of mineralizations are not convincing. There is thus a challenge and a need to further model and predict potential ore deposits using multidisciplinary and derived techniques.